This a list of our most frequently asked questions, if you find that your question isn't listed feel free to contact us on 01785 619402.
A. The enhanced recycling service will enable residents to recycle more items – waxed cartons (eg Tetrapak), foil, aerosols, empty plastic bags and cellophane.
A. We have found that textiles have become contaminated with broken glass etc in the blue bin which means that they cannot be re-used. We have now arranged an alternative collection of textiles which will be collected separately and will be reused.
Further details of this service and suitable materials can be found by following this link: Dial-a-Bag.
A. This is to dissuade rogue collectors from removing the bags from the kerbside, the Dial a Bag service has also been introduced for this reason as the bags will now be collected by arrangement.
A. Stafford Borough Council have committed to carry out a textile collection from residents, if required. This collection is an option for residents, alternatively you can continue to donate to your own chosen charity.
A. We are pleased that we can now recycle carrier bags, however the bags will need to be empty to prevent contamination issues at the sorting facility. Recycling can be taken to the blue bin in the carrier bag but will then need to be emptied into the bin.
A. The recycling collected in Stafford Borough will shortly be taken to a new state of the art facility operated by Biffa. This new facility allows us to recycle more materials than we have been able to accept previously.
A. In addition to updated manual handling requirements, the crews are also only able to empty the caddy if it is inside the blue bin as it would be classed as side waste if left outside the bin. The reason that side waste is not collected from beside any type of bin is that the rounds are routed to accommodate a certain capacity of material and to unload that material at the required facilities. The implications of collecting additional waste from potentially 55,500 properties would have a major impact on the collection rounds and their ability to complete them on the specified day.
Alternatively, any excess recycling can be taken to one of our Recycling Sites.
A. All recycling is collected from the kerbside by our contractor, Biffa Waste Services. Paper recycling is transported directly to the UK paper mill for reprocessing. Co-mingled materials are taken to Biffa local facility's for sorting and then sent on to UK reprocessors to be treated and prepared to be made into new products.
A. No, due to the use of the new Biffa facility it will not cost any additional money to collect these additional items.
A. Many of the new items introduced will flatten easily eg waxed cartons, foil, carrier bags and cellophane. However, if you find that you still cannot accommodate the extra materials a visit can be arranged by one of our waste management officers to assess the situation.
A. There is no need to remove labels. Please remove all lids; they can be placed separately in the blue bin. Leaving the lids on causes vacuums inside the containers that make them difficult to compact within the vehicle.
A. Please continue to rinse items out. When sorted these items can be stored for a number of days before being reprocessed, rinsing items out prevents odours.
A. All bins (green, blue and brown) will be collected from where your green bin/black bags are collected from at present.
A. The recycling services that Stafford Borough Council offer are not compulsory and a green bin will be emptied if it contains recyclable material. However, we would ask that all householders consider using all of the bins available to them to reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill or incineration.
A. Food waste can be contained in tied carrier bags and/or newspaper to prevent odours; bin bags can also continue to be used in the green bin. Where possible, keep the green bin lid closed when not in use.
A. It is no longer a requirement to swap the green wheeled bin for a black dustbin when receiving an assisted collection. All three bins (green, blue and brown) will be collected from your premises, emptied and returned. However, black bins are still available should they be required.
A. Yes, we are able to offer a weekly yellow sack collection for incontinence products. This service is currently carried out on a Wednesday and bags should be left tied and visible by your doorstep for 7am. Replacement bags are left following collection. Your alternate weekly collection of the green bin will continue as normal on the designated collection day. Please contact us to arrange this service on 01785 619402.
A. Old medicines can be disposed of in the green bin, however it is recommended that old medicines are taken to a pharmacy who will be able to arrange for their safe destruction.
